Amaranth 'Opopeo'
Amaranthus cruentus
Instant favorite! This vigorous heirloom amaranth is named after its place of origin in Mexico.
Extremely productive deep magenta filler flowers on bright pink stems with striking green leaves featuring a gorgeous matching magenta tinge.
Bronze/plum foliage is eaten as a cooked green when young. Plants grow quickly to 6 feet, with upright flower spikes that hold their deep magenta color all season. Multi-branching, with many flowering side shoots. Tiny tan seeds are highly nutritious.
Perfect Filler for any flower arrangemet. Bold, Elegant and Unique. Must grow.
Details:
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Height: 36-72”
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65-75 daysSow:1/4" deep
Plant spacing: 12”
Pinch: when 12” tall
Approx seeds per packet: 100
How to Grow:
Days to germination:7-10 days at 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Transplant:Sow 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Barely cover seed. Bottom water or mist to avoid covering seeds with displaced soil. Harden off by growing at 62-65°F (17-18°C) and transplant outside after last frost.
Direct seed:After last frost, sow thinly, barely covering the seed. When seedlings have first true leaves, thin to 12-15" apart.
How to Harvest:
Harvest when at least 3/4 of the flowers on the inflorescence are open.
Dried:Harvest when seed has begun to set and flowers feel firm to the touch. To dry, hang nontrailing varieties upside down. Stand trailing varieties upright in a bucket or other tall container to maintain the draped appearance.
Vase life : 7 days